LauriSmith

Age 50, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, January 5, 2013 in Washington, D.C. after a brief hospitalization. She is survived by her partner, loving companion, and best friend of 23 years, Clai Ellett, her parents, Larry and Mary (Pohlman) Smith of Saginaw, one sister, Elizabeth Smith of Ann Arbor, and three brothers, Michael (Kathi) Smith of Saginaw, Matthew (Linda) Smith of Columbus, IN and Mark (Kathleen) Smith of Saline, as well as Clai's daughter, Nancy (Brian) Hancock and her son, Jeffrey of St. Albans, WV. She was preceded in death by her sister, Julie Smith Baranyai, in 1996. Lauri is lovingly remembered by her three nephews, Isaac, Thomas and Aidan Smith and two nieces, Christina and Emma (goddaughter) Smith, as well as other family members and friends. Lauri was born in Saginaw, MI, attended St. Helen Elementary School, and was a graduate of Saints Peter and Paul Area High School. She earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan, attended the University of Texas, Austin and was a graduate of the National Defense University Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Defense Systems Management College. She served for 16 years as an active duty officer and civilian in the Air Force at Los Angeles Air Force Base and in Washington, D.C. Her efforts supported the launching of satellites into space on the Space Shuttle as well as the Titan, Atlas, Delta II, Inertial Upper Stage, and small launch vehicle rockets. In Washington, Lauri served as a program manager in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition). Lauri became the budget officer to the United States Architect of the Capitol in 2007. She was responsible for developing and managing the agency's $600 million annual budget. She was particularly passionate about securing the necessary funding to repair and preserve the U.S. Capitol Dome, the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, and the Brumidi Corridors in the Senate Wing of the Capitol Building. Lauri loved family, cats, Paris, and beaches. She was a writer, artist and talented collector of treasures whether found on a beach, in an art gallery or at a flea market. Lauri had a deep appreciation of nature and of design and architecture encompassing the beauty of nature. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Helen Catholic Church at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 14, 2013 with Father Ronald Wagner officiating. Friends may call at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road from 4:00-8:00 PM on Sunday with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a donation to the Smith Family Endowment in Celebration of Lauri Ann Smith, Catholic Community Foundation of Mid-Michigan, P.O. Box 6883, Saginaw, MI 48608-6883. www.casefuneralhome.com

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